ATBECHDEDKESFRGBGRITLILUNLSEMCPTIESILTLVFIROMKCYALTRBGCZEEHUPLSKBAHRIS..MTNORSMESM..................JDIM360 Ver 2.15 (14 Jul 2008) - 1100000/02400593EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATIONA120111228EP11004805.520110610enenen201014250020100623JP2011122820115220111228201152

H01R 4/34 20060101AFI20110804BHEP

H01R 13/447 20060101ALI20110804BHEP

H01R 13/52 20060101ALI20110804BHEP

deAnschlussabdeckung und Montageverfahren dafürenTerminal cover and method of assembling itfrCouvercle de terminal et son procédé d'assemblage1Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.100773629S10704EU - ds1-14, Nishisuehiro-choYokkaichi-city Mie 510-8503JPMase, Tsuyoshic/o Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. 1-14, Nishisuehiro-choYokkaichi-City Mie 510-8503JPMüller-Boré & Partner Patentanwälte100060440Grafinger Straße 281671 MünchenDEALATBEBGCHCYCZDEDKEEESFIFRGBGRHRHUIEISITLILTLULVMCMKMTNLNOPLPTRORSSESISKSMTRBAME

An object of the present invention is to prevent external matters from entering a space for accommodating a terminal fitting.

A terminal cover A includes an escaping portion 20 formed by cutting off a part of a peripheral wall portion forming a first accommodating portion 11 to allow an internal space of the first accommodating portion 11 to communicate with a second accommodating portion 12, thereby avoiding interference with a linking portion 53 of a terminal fitting B. The terminal cover A also includes a multi-functional portion 26 which can be assembled with the first accommodating portion 11 and is arranged to close at least a part of the escaping portion 20 and capable of pressing the terminal fitting B to prevent a displacement of the terminal fitting B in an assembled state.

The present invention relates to a terminal cover and to a method of assembling it.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-288056 discloses a terminal cover for surrounding a terminal fitting including a wire connecting portion to be connected to a wire, a post connecting portion to be connected to a post of a device and a linking portion linking the wire connecting portion and the post connecting portion. This terminal cover includes a first accommodating portion capable of accommodating the wire connecting portion and including a first opening used to insert and pull the wire connecting portion, a first lid to be mounted to the first accommodating portion to cover the first opening, a second accommodating portion capable of accommodating the post connecting portion and including a second opening used to insert and pull the post connecting portion, and a second lid to be mounted to the second accommodating portion to cover the second opening.

The terminal cover and the terminal fitting are assembled and the terminal fitting is attached to the post in the following procedure. First, the wire connecting portion and the post connecting portion are respectively accommodated into the first and second accommodating portions and, subsequently, the first opening is closed by the first lid to surround the wire connecting portion. Thereafter, the post connecting portion is attached to the post of the device and, finally, the second opening is closed by the second lid.

In the above terminal cover, a peripheral wall portion forming the first accommodating portion is partly cut off to form an escaping portion which allows an internal space of the first accommodating portion to communicate with the second accommodating portion in order to avoid interference of the linking portion with the peripheral wall portion forming the first accommodating portion when the wire connecting portion and the post connecting portion are accommodated into the first and second accommodating portions.

Thus, in the process of attaching the post connecting portion to the post, the first opening is closed with the first lid, but the internal space of the first accommodating portion is exposed to the outside at the escaping portion. Thus, in the process of attaching the post connecting portion to the post, external matters may enter the first accommodating portion through the escaping portion.

The present invention was developed in view of the above situation and an object thereof is to prevent external matters from entering a space for accommodating a terminal fitting.

This object is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, there is provided a terminal cover for surrounding a terminal fitting including a wire connecting portion to be connected to a wire, a post connecting portion to be connected to a post of a device and a linking portion linking the wire connecting portion and the post connecting portion, comprising a first accommodating portion capable of at least partly accommodating the wire connecting portion and including a first opening used to insert and pull or withdraw the wire connecting portion; a first lid to be mounted to the first accommodating portion to at least partly cover the first opening; a second accommodating portion capable of accommodating the post connecting portion and including a second opening used to insert and pull or withdraw the post connecting portion; a second lid to be mounted to the second accommodating portion to at least partly cover the second opening; an escaping portion formed by cutting off or recessing a part of a peripheral wall portion forming the first accommodating portion to allow an internal space of the first accommodating portion to communicate with the second accommodating portion, thereby avoiding interference with the linking portion, and a multi-functional portion which can be assembled with the first accommodating portion and is arranged to close at least a part of an opening area of the escaping portion and capable of pressing the terminal fitting to prevent a displacement of the terminal fitting in an assembled state.

When the post connecting portion is attached to the post in a state where the wire connecting portion is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, the post connecting portion is accommodated in the second accommodating portion and the first opening is closed by the first lid, entrance of external matters into the first accommodating portion is prevented if the multi-functional portion is assembled with the first accommodating portion to close at least a part of the opening area of the escaping portion. Since this multi-functional portion displays a function of preventing a displacement of the terminal fitting relative to the terminal cover, an operability reduction in an operation of attaching the terminal fitting to the post resulting from a displacement of the terminal fitting can be avoided.

According to a particular embodiment, the multi-functional portion is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid.

Since the multi-functional portion is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid, the number of parts can be reduced and the first lid and the multi-functional portion can be assembled with the first accommodating portion by one operation as compared with the case where the multi-functional portion is a part separate from the first lid.

Particularly, a main portion including the first accommodating portion and the first lid are formed with one or more lock portions which are to be engaged with each other to lock the first lid in an assembled state where the first lid closes the first opening; and/or the multi-functional portion is formed with a guiding portion which substantially slides in contact with the opening edge of the escaping portion to guide a displacement of the first lid along a proper assembling path with the first accommodating portion.

When the first lid is assembled with the first accommodating portion, the guiding portion of the multi-functional portion slides in contact with the opening edge of the escaping portion to guide the displacement of the linking portion along the proper assembling path. Thus, the lock portion of the first lid and that of the main portion are reliably engaged.

Particularly, the multi-functional portion includes a receiving surface arranged to substantially extend along the wire connected to the wire connecting portion with the multi-functional portion assembled with the first accommodating portion.

Since the receiving surface is located to extend along the wire with the multi-functional portion assembled with the first accommodating portion, even if an external force acts to cause a buckling deformation of the wire to move the wire toward the escaping portion, the wire comes into contact with the receiving surface to prevent the buckling deformation of the wire.

Further particularly, the multi-functional portion is formed with at least one cutout capable of at least partly accommodating at least one rib formed on the linking portion and projecting toward the multi-functional portion.

With the multi-functional portion assembled with the first accommodating portion, the rib of the linking portion is at least partly accommodated in the cutout, thereby preventing a displacement of the linking portion relative to the multi-functional portion in a direction crossing a direction in which the linking portion is pressed.

Particularly, the multi-functional portion includes a plurality of substantially plate-like portions spaced apart from each other in a penetrating direction of the linking portion through the escaping portion.

Since the multi-functional portion presses the terminal fitting at a plurality of positions by the plurality of plate-like portions, the position and posture of the terminal fitting are stable.

Further particularly, the plurality of plate-like portions are coupled by at least one coupling portion.

Since the plurality of plate-like portions are coupled by the at least one coupling portion, the plate-like portions are difficult to deform. Thus, the reliability of a pressing function by the plate-like portions is high.

Still further particularly, a recess defined by lateral edge portions of the plate-like portions and the coupling portion by arranging the coupling portion inwardly of lateral edges of the plate-like portions is formed at a side surface substantially facing the opening edge of the escaping portion out of the outer surfaces of the multi-functional portion; and/or a locking portion arranged to be at least partly accommodated in the recess and capable of preventing a relative displacement of the linking portion by being engaged with the linking portion is formed at the opening edge of the escaping portion.

A relative displacement of the linking portion can be reliably prevented by the multi-functional portion and the locking portion. Further, since the locking portion enters the opening area of the escaping portion, the multi-functional portion may become smaller by as much as an entering part of the locking portion and an area of the escaping portion closed by the multi-functional portion may become narrower, thereby reducing a function of preventing the entrance of external matters. However, in the present invention, the recess is formed at the side surface of the multi-functional portion and the locking portion is accommodated in the recess. Thus, the multi-functional portion can be made sufficiently large and can cover the opening area of the escaping portion in a wide area.

Further particularly , the multi-functional portion is formed on the first lid; and/or the first lid is formed with a protecting portion in the form of a plate projecting to be located between an extension of an axis line of the post and the linking portion in a state where the first lid is assembled with the first accommodating portion and the post connecting portion is attached to the post; and/or the multi-functional portion and the protecting portion are coupled by at least one reinforcing portion.

Since the protecting portion is arranged between the virtual extension of the axis line of the post and the linking portion in the state where the first lid is assembled with the first accommodating portion and the post connecting portion is attached to the post, there is no likelihood that a jig used to connect the post connecting portion to the post comes into contact with the linking portion, wherefore damage of the linking portion by the jig is prevented. Although the protecting portion is plate-like, the protecting portion is free from deformation since being coupled to the multi-functional portion via the reinforcing portion.

Further particularly, one or more first hinges allowing displacement of the protecting portion particularly are located above the protecting portion with the protecting portion located at the protecting position, whereby the protecting portion can pass a space above the second accommodating portion when being displaced from a protecting position to a retracted position.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a terminal cover, in particular according to the above invention or a particular embodiment thereof, to a terminal fitting including a wire connecting portion connected to a wire, a post connecting portion connected to a post of a device and a linking portion linking the wire connecting portion and the post connecting portion, comprising the following steps (in any order):

at least partly accommodating the wire connecting portion in a first accommodating portion including a first opening used to insert and pull or withdraw the wire connecting portion;
mounting a first lid to the first accommodating portion to at least partly cover the first opening;
at least partly accommodating the post connecting portion in a second accommodating portion including a second opening used to insert and pull or withdraw the post connecting portion;
mounting a second lid to the second accommodating portion to at least partly cover the second opening;
allowing an internal space of the first accommodating portion to communicate with the second accommodating portion by means of an escaping portion formed by cutting off or recessing a part of a peripheral wall portion forming the first accommodating portion, thereby avoiding interference with the linking portion, and
assembling a multi-functional portion with the first accommodating portion so as to be arranged to close at least a part of an opening area of the escaping portion and to press the terminal fitting to prevent a displacement of the terminal fitting in an assembled state.

Particularly, the multi-functional portion is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid and/or wherein a main portion including the first accommodating portion and the first lid are formed with one or more lock portions which are engaged with each other to lock the first lid in an assembled state where the first lid closes the first opening; and/or the multi-functional portion is formed with at least one guiding portion which substantially slides in contact with the opening edge of the escaping portion to guide a displacement of the first lid along a proper assembling path with the first accommodating portion.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though embodiments are separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a state where a terminal fitting is partly assembled with a terminal cover in one embodiment,
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover and a first lid is displaced to a closing position,
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover and the terminal fitting is connected to a post,
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state where the terminal fitting is accommodated in the terminal cover,
FIG. 5 is a front view showing the state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover and the terminal fitting is connected to the post,
FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state where the terminal fitting is accommodated in the terminal cover and the terminal fitting is connected to the post,
FIG. 7 is a right side view showing the state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover and the first lid is displaced to the closing position,
FIG. 8 is a right side view showing the state where the terminal fitting is accommodated in the terminal cover,
FIG. 9 is a right side view with the first lid shown in section showing the state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover and the first lid is displaced to the closing position,
FIG. 10 is a right side view with a multi-functional portion shown in section showing the state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover and the first lid is displaced to the closing position,
FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover,
FIG. 12 is a rear view showing a state where the terminal fitting is partly assembled with the terminal cover and the first lid is on the way from an opening position to the closing position,
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a state where the first lid and a second lid are at opening positions in the terminal cover,
FIG. 14 is a front view showing the state where the first lid and the second lid are at the opening positions in the terminal cover,
FIG. 15 is a right side view showing the state where the first lid and the second lid are at opening positions in the terminal cover,
FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state where a wire is connected to the terminal fitting,
FIG. 17 is a front view showing the state where the wire is connected to the terminal fitting, and
FIG. 18 is a right side view showing the state where the wire is connected to the terminal fitting.

Hereinafter, one particular embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18. A terminal cover A of this embodiment is for at least partly surrounding or covering a terminal fitting B to be attached to a device C (e.g. stator, battery or the like). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a flange portion 71 is formed on the outer periphery of an upper end portion of a terminal connecting portion 70 of the device C, and a (particularly substantially cylindrical) post 72 whose axis line substantially extends in a vertical direction (perpendicular direction) is formed to project on the upper or outer surface of the terminal connecting portion 70.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the terminal fitting B is formed by applying a bending, folding and/or embossing process and the like to a conductive (particularly metal) plate material punched out or cut into a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) shape. The terminal fitting B includes a wire connecting portion 51 to be connected to a wire 60, a post connecting portion 52 to be connected to the post 72 and a linking portion 53 linking the wire connecting portion 51 and the post connecting portion 52.

The wire connecting portion 51 includes a (particularly substantially rectangular and/or horizontal) base plate portion 54 and at least one crimping portion 55 in the form of an open barrel formed at or near a front end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 16) of the base plate portion 54. A part of the wire 60 particularly located at an intermediate position of an arrangement path (part which is not an end portion of the wire 60) is to be electrically conductively connected to the crimping portion 55. At a part of the wire 60 where the wire connecting portion 51 is crimped, bent or folded and connected, an insulation coating 62 is removed to expose a core or conductive portion 61, and this exposed part of the core 61 is fixed or connected to the crimping portion 55. The wire 60 connected particularly by crimping is so arranged with an axis line thereof substantially aligned in the vertical direction (or in an alignment direction) that a part thereof with the exposed core 61 substantially extends along the upper surface of the base plate portion 54. Accordingly, the terminal fitting B particularly functions as an intermediate terminal to be connected to the part of the wire 60 other than end portions. The post connecting portion 52 particularly substantially is in the form of a horizontal plate and/or includes a (particularly substantially circular) connection hole 56 penetrating in the vertical direction. This connection hole 56 is fittable or mountable to the post 72.

The linking portion 53 particularly substantially is in the form of a plate standing upward (i.e. direction substantially parallel to the axial line of the post 72 when the connection hole 56 is correctly fitted to the post 72 and/or substantially parallel to a penetrating direction of the connection hole 56) from a lateral edge portion of the post connecting portion 52, and (particularly an extending end of) the linking portion 53 is connected to a lateral edge portion of the base plate portion 54 of the wire connecting portion 51. Thus, the post connecting portion 52 is arranged at a position lower than the wire connecting portion 51. Particularly, a lower end portion of the linking portion 53 (part connected to the post connecting portion 52) particularly has a substantially quarter circular arc shape and is smoothly connected to the post connecting portion 52. An upper end portion (part connected to the wire connecting portion 51) of the linking portion 53 also has a substantially quarter circular arc shape and is smoothly connected to the base plate portion 54 of the wire connecting portion 51.

The linking portion 53 is hammered or embossed to form at least one rib 57 as a reinforcing means for suppressing or reducing deformation of the linking portion 53. The rib 57 particularly is a long and narrow rib continuously extending from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the linking portion 53. At the upper end portion of the linking portion 53, the rib 57 substantially projects upward and the upper end thereof extends up to the base plate portion 54. At the lower end portion of the linking portion 53, the rib 57 substantially projects upward and the lower end thereof substantially extends up to the post connecting portion 52. At a substantially flat vertical part of the linking portion 53 excluding the opposite upper and lower end portions, the rib 57 substantially projects toward the post connecting portion 52 (i.e. toward a side facing the extension of the axis line of the post 72 when the connection hole 56 is correctly fitted to the post 72).

The terminal cover A is made e.g. of synthetic resin and particularly formed as a single part as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. The terminal cover A includes a main portion 10, a first lid 21 displaceable relative to the main portion 10, and a second lid 22 displaceable relative to the main portion 10 independently of the first lid 21.

The main portion 10 includes a first accommodating portion 11 for at least partly accommodating the wire connecting portion 51, a second accommodating portion 12 for at least partly accommodating the post connecting portion 52 and/or a third accommodating portion 13 for at least partly accommodating the linking portion 53. The first accommodating portion 11 particularly substantially has a rectangular shape long in forward and backward directions (vertical direction in FIG. 13) in plan view, and the upper surface thereof particularly is open in its entire area to serve as a first opening 14 used to at least partly insert and pull the wire connecting portion 51 into and out of the first accommodating portion 11. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 11 and 12, front and rear peripheral walls forming the first accommodating portion 11 are partly cut off to form wire lead-out portions 15 to avoid interference with the wire 60.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the second accommodating portion 12 particularly has a substantially square shape in plan view and the upper surface thereof is open in its entire area to serve as a second opening 16 used to at least partly insert and pull the post connecting portion 52 into and out of the second accommodating portion 12. A communication hole 17 used to at least partly accommodate the flange portion 71 and the post 72 of the terminal connecting portion 70 of the device C into the second accommodating portion 12 is formed in the lateral or lower surface of the second accommodating portion 12. One or more, particularly a plurality of resilient locking pieces 18 to be engaged with the flange portion 71 are formed on or near the opening edge of the communication hole 17.

As shown in FIG. 15, the third accommodating portion 13 particularly has a substantially rectangular shape in side view, an upper end portion thereof communicates with a lateral edge portion of a rear end portion of the first accommodating portion 11 and/or a lower end portion thereof communicates with a lateral edge portion of the second accommodating portion 12. The third accommodating portion 13 includes a third opening 19 used to at least partly insert and pull the linking portion 53 into and out of the third accommodating portion 13. The third opening 19 particularly is open at upper and lateral sides, an upper end portion thereof communicates with an opening area of the first opening 14 and a lower end portion thereof communicates with an opening area of the second opening 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 9, 13 and 15, a part of the peripheral wall forming (at least part of) the first accommodating portion 11 is (particularly substantially rectangularly) cut off to form an escaping portion 20 at a communicating part of the first and third accommodating portions 11, 13. The escaping portion 20 is open upward or laterally, thereby communicating with the first and third openings 14, 19. The internal space of the first accommodating portion 11 and that of the third accommodating portion 13 communicate via the escaping portion 20. In other words, the escaping portion 20 is formed to allow the internal space of the first accommodating portion 11 to substantially communicate with the second accommodating portion 12 via the third accommodating portion 13. By forming the escaping portion 20, interference of the upper end portion of the linking portion 53 and the peripheral wall forming the first accommodating portion 11 can be avoided and the linking portion 53 can be at least partly accommodated into the third accommodating portion 13 as shown in FIG. 1 when the wire connecting portion 51 is at least partly accommodated into the first accommodating portion 11.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 9, 10, 13 and 15, one or more, particularly a pair of resiliently deformable locking portions 24 are formed on one or more inner surfaces, particularly on the substantially opposite lateral (front and rear) inner surfaces, of the opening edge of the escaping portion 20. These locking portions 24 are to be engaged with the lateral edge portions of the linking portion 53 to prevent the linking portion 53 from being displaced upward relative to the main portion 10 (from coming out of the third accommodating portion 13) in a state where the linking portion 53 is at least partly accommodated in the third accommodating portion 13. The lower ends of the locking portions 24 engaged with the linking portion 53 at least partly project into an opening area of the escaping portion 20.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first lid 21 is coupled to the first accommodating portion 11 via one or more first hinges 23 and swingable or pivotable between a closing position (see FIGS. 2 to 10) for at least partly closing the first opening 14 and an opening position (see FIGS. 1, 11, 13 to 15) for at least partly opening the first opening 14 to make a pivotal movement (particularly substantially a half rotation) about the first hinge(s) 23. The first lid 21 includes a (particularly substantially plate-like) closing portion 25 to be substantially aligned with the first opening 14 to cover the first opening 14, a multi-functional portion 26 integrally or unitarily formed to the (plate-like) closing portion 25 and a protecting portion 35 integrally or unitarily formed to the plate-like closing portion 25.

The first hinges 23 as a center of swinging movement of the first lid 21 are connected to (particularly front and rear end portions of) a lateral edge portion of the opening edge of the first opening 14 particularly substantially opposite to the third opening 19 and the escaping portion 20 and/or (particularly front and rear end portions of) a lateral edge portion of the plate-like closing portion 25. A swing axis of the first lid 25 by the first hinges 23 substantially extends in forward and backward directions, and the first lid 21 at the opening position is retracted at a position at a side of the first accommodating portion 11 particularly substantially opposite to the second and third accommodating portions 12, 13. Further, one or more, particularly a plurality of resiliently deformable lock pieces 27 (lock portion of a first lid) are formed on or near a peripheral edge portion of the plate-like closing portion 25, and one or more, particularly a plurality of lock projections 28 (lock portion of a main portion) are formed on the outer surface of the first accommodating portion 11. With the first lid 21 displaced to the closing position, the lock piece(s) 27 and the lock projection(s) 28 are engaged to hold the first lid 21 in a locked state where a displacement of the first lid 21 from the closing position toward or to the opening position is prevented.

The multi-functional portion 26 is so arranged at (particularly the rear end of) the plate-like closing portion 25 as to substantially correspond to the escaping portion 20 with the first lid 21 located at the closing position and is swung together with the first lid 21 to be assembled with the first accommodating portion 11 as the first lid 21 is swung from the opening position to the closing position. The multi-functional portion 26 is formed to project from the inner surface (i.e. lower surface substantially facing the internal space of the first accommodating portion 11 when the first lid 21 is at the closing position; surface shown in FIG. 13) of the (plate-like) closing portion 25. The multi-functional portion 26 includes one or more, particularly a pair of lateral (left and/or right, particularly substantially rectangular) plate-like portions 29 and/or one or more, particularly a pair of (front and/or rear) coupling portions 30 substantially in the form of plates coupling or coupled to the (both) plate-like portions 29. Particularly, the pair of plate-like portions 29 are parallel to each other and arranged while being spaced apart in a penetrating direction of the linking portion 53 through the escaping portion 20 and/or project at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably substantially at right angles from the inner surface of the plate-like closing portion 25. The pair of coupling portions 30 particularly substantially are also parallel to each other and/or project at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably substantially at right angles from the inner surface of the plate-like closing portion 25.

A formation area of the plate-like portions 29 in forward and backward directions particularly substantially is the same as the opening area of the escaping portion 20. In the lateral direction, one plate-like portion 29 particularly is arranged closer to the first accommodating portion 11 than the peripheral wall portion formed with the escaping portion 20, and/or the other plate-like portion 29 particularly is arranged closer to the third accommodating portion 13 than the peripheral wall portion formed with the escaping portion 20. A surface of the plate-like portion 29 located at the side of the first accommodating portion 11 substantially extending along the wire 60 in the first accommodating portion 11 and proximately facing the wire 60 particularly serves as a receiving surface 31. If an external force acts to cause a buckling deformation of the wire 60 to move the wire 60 toward the escaping portion 20 with the multi-functional portion 26 assembled with the first accommodating portion 11, the wire 60 comes into contact with the receiving surface 31, whereby the buckling deformation of the wire 60 is prevented or suppressed.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each plate-like portion 29 is formed with at least one cutout 32 for avoiding interference with the upper end portion(s) of the rib(s) 57 of the terminal fitting B with the first lid 21 displaced to the closing position (i.e. with the multi-functional portion 26 assembled with the first accommodating portion 11). Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, curved front and rear end surfaces of the both plate-like portions 29 serve as guiding portions 33. The guiding portions 33 substantially slide in contact with the front and rear inner surfaces of the escaping portion 20 in the process of swinging the first lid 21 from the opening position to the closing position as shown in FIG. 12, thereby displaying a guiding function of preventing the first lid 21 from being displaced relative to the main portion 10 (first accommodating portion 11) in forward and backward directions and displacing the first lid 21 along a proper assembling path with the first accommodating portion 11. By this guiding function of the guiding portions 33, the lock pieces 27 of the first lid 21 and the lock projections 28 of the main portion 10 can be reliably engaged when the first lid 21 is displaced to the closing position.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 13, out of the pair of front and rear coupling portions 30, the front coupling portion 30 particularly is arranged at a position slightly behind the front ends of the plate-like portions 29 and/or the rear coupling portion 30 particularly is arranged at a position slightly before the rear ends of the plate-like portions 29. By this arrangement, the front and rear surfaces of the multi-functional portion 26 are respectively formed with recesses 34 defined by the front and rear end portions of the plate-like portions 29 and the coupling portions 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the locking portions 24 are to be at least partly accommodated in the recesses 34 with the first lid 21 displaced to the closing position.

The protecting portion 35 is swung or pivoted and displaced from a retracted position (see FIGS. 1, 11, 13 to 15) to a protecting position (see FIGS. 2 to 8) together with the first lid 21 as the first lid 21 is swung or pivoted from the opening position to the closing position. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the protecting portion 35 particularly substantially is in the form of a curved plate and/or extends in a cantilever manner from a position of the plate-like closing portion 25 near the multi-functional portion 26. The protecting portion 35 extends toward a side opposite to the plate-like portion 29 at the side of the first accommodating portion 11 from a position near the plate-like portion 29 at the side of the third accommodating portion 13 out of the pair of plate-like portions 29 forming the multi-functional portion 26.

With the protecting portion 35 located at the retracted position, the third opening 19 is opened to allow the linking portion 53 to be at least partly inserted into and pulled out of the third accommodating portion 13. Further, while being located at the protecting position, the protecting portion 35 particularly at least partly closes the third opening 19 and/or particularly substantially is arranged between an extension L of the axis line of the post 72 in the state where the connection hole 56 is fitted to the post 72 and the linking portion 53 is in the third accommodating portion 13.

The protecting portion 35 is formed with at least one guiding surface 36 particularly by indenting a surface at the side of the second accommodating portion 12 in the state where the protecting portion 35 is at the protecting position. This guiding surface 36 particularly extends substantially in parallel to the extension L of the axis line of the post 72 in the state where the connection hole 56 is at least partly fitted to the post 72 and faces the extension L of the axis line of the post 72. Further, the protecting portion 35 particularly substantially is plate-like in its entirety including an area where the guiding surface 36 is formed. In other words, the area of the protecting portion 35 where the guiding surface 36 is in the form of a curved plate and the area thereof other than the guiding surface 36 substantially is in the form of a flat plate.

Further, the plate-like portion 29 at the side of the third accommodating portion 13 out of the plurality or pair of plate-like portions 29 forming the multi-functional portion 26 and the protecting portion 35 are coupled by a (particularly substantially plate-like) reinforcing portion 37. In other words, the reinforcing portion 37 is connected to the protecting portion 35 and the plate-like portion 29. The reinforcing portion 37 is arranged at central or intermediate positions of the plate-like portion 29 and the protecting portion 35 in forward and backward directions. The first lid 21 is located to substantially correspond to the wire connecting portion 51, whereas the protecting portion 35 is located to substantially correspond to the linking portion 53. Thus, the protecting portion 35 particularly projects in a cantilever manner from the first lid 21 and, hence, may be deformed. However, the protecting portion 35 is free from deformation since being coupled to the plate-like portion 29 via the reinforcing portion 37.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the second lid 22 is coupled to the second accommodating portion 12 via one or more second hinges 38 and swingable or pivotable or rotatable between a closing position (see FIGS. 4, 6 and 8) for closing the second opening 16 and an opening position (see FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 to 15) for opening the second opening 16 to make a pivotal movement (particularly substantially a half rotation) about the second hinge(s) 23. The second lid 22 particularly substantially is in the form of a rectangular box with an open lower side (side facing the second opening 16) when being at the closing position. At least one resiliently deformable lock arm 39 is formed on (particularly an outer edge portion of) the second lid 22 particularly substantially opposite to the second hinges 38, and at least one lock claw 40 is formed on the outer surface of the second accommodating portion 12. With the second lid 22 displaced to the closing position, the lock arm 39 and the lock claw 40 are or can be engaged to lock the second lid 22 to prevent a displacement of the second lid 22 from the closing position to the opening position.

The second hinges 38 as a center of swinging or pivotal movement of the second lid 22 is connected to (particularly the upper or distal end edge of) a wall portion of the peripheral wall forming the second accommodating portion 12 standing up or projecting from the second opening 16. The second hinges 38 particularly are located above the opening plane of the second opening 16 in the vertical direction and/or at such a height as to at least partly overlap the first accommodating portion 11. A swing axis of the second lid 22 by the second hinges 38 substantially extends in the lateral direction (i.e. direction at an angle different from 0° or 180°, preferably substantially orthogonal to the swing axis of the first lid 21), and the second lid 22 at the opening position is retracted behind the second accommodating portion 12. While being located at the closing position, the second lid 22 is arranged to partly overlap the first accommodating portion 11, the escaping portion 20 and/or the third accommodating portion 13 in the vertical direction.

Since the first hinges 23 as a center of swinging movement of the protecting portion 35 particularly is located above the protecting portion 35 with the protecting portion 35 located at the protecting position, the protecting portion 35 passes a space above the second accommodating portion 12 (second opening 16) when being swung from the protecting position to the retracted position. This space above the second accommodating portion 12 particularly is an accommodation space for the second lid 22 when the second lid 22 is displaced to the closing position. Accordingly, in a state where the protecting portion 35 is at the protecting position and the second lid 22 is displaced to the closing position to at least partly cover the post connecting portion 52 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the second lid 22 is located near the protecting portion 35 on the swing path of the protecting portion 35.

Next, functions of this embodiment are described. The terminal fitting B is partly assembled with the terminal cover A and then protected by being (particularly substantially completely) surrounded by the terminal cover A after being connected to the post 72. Before partial assembling, the wire 60 is connected to the terminal fitting B and the first and second lids 21, 22 are held or positioned at the opening positions. In this state, the terminal fitting B is at least partly accommodated into the main portion 10 of the terminal cover A as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11. At this time, the wire connecting portion 51 is at least partly accommodated into the first accommodating portion 11, the post connecting portion 52 is at least partly accommodated into the second accommodating portion 12 and the linking portion 53 is at least partly accommodated into the third accommodating portion 13. When the terminal fitting B is at least partly accommodated into the main portion 10, the locking portion(s) 24 is/are engaged with the linking portion 53, whereby the terminal fitting B is temporally held in a state where an upward displacement thereof relative to the main portion 10 is prevented. Further, the wire 60 is drawn out to the outside of the main portion 10 through the wire lead-out portion 15 and the connection hole 56 of the post connecting portion 52 is located in an opening area of the communication hole 17.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 2, 7 and 9, the first lid 21 is displaced from the opening position to the closing position. By this, the wire connecting portion 51 in the first accommodating portion 11 and the linking portion 53 in the third accommodating portion 13 are at least partly covered and particularly only the post connecting portion 52 of the terminal fitting B in the second accommodating portion 12 is exposed. When the first lid 21 is displaced to the closing position, the multi-functional portion 26 closes the substantially entire opening area of the escaping portion 20. In other words, since the multi-functional portion 26 is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid 21 in this embodiment, the first lid 21 and the multi-functional portion 26 can be assembled with the first accommodating portion by one operation. The multi-functional portion 26 assembled with the first accommodating portion 11 closes the substantially entire opening area of the escaping portion 20. This prevents external matters from entering the first accommodating portion 11 through the escaping portion 20.

Since the multi-functional portion 26 particularly presses the lateral edge portions of the rear end of the base plate portion 54 and/or the upper end portion of the linking portion 53 from above or proximately faces them, an upward displacement of the terminal fitting B relative to the main portion 10 is prevented. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the one plate-like portion 29 is located to substantially correspond to the base plate portion 54 and the other plate-like portion 29 is located to substantially correspond to the linking portion 53. Since the multi-functional portion 26 presses the terminal fitting B at one or more (e.g. two) positions by the (two) plate-like portions 29 in this way, the position and posture of the terminal fitting B are stable. Further, since these two plate-like portions 29 are coupled by the coupling portions 30, they are difficult to deform. Thus, the reliability of a pressing function by the multi-functional portion 26 (plate-like portions 29) is excellent.

Since the multi-functional portion 26 is formed with the one or more cutouts 32 and the rib(s) 57 of the terminal fitting B is/are at least partly accommodated in these cutouts 32 as shown in FIG. 9, a displacement of the terminal fitting B relative to the main portion 10 in forward and backward directions (directions crossing a direction in which the multi-functional portion 26 presses the terminal fitting B) due to the engagement of the rib 57 and the multi-functional portion 26 is also prevented. This prevents the succeeding operation from being affected due to the displacement of the terminal fitting B.

As described above, a displacement of the linking portion 53 relative to the main portion 10 can be prevented not only by the multi-functional portion 26, but also by the locking portions 24. Since the locking portions 24 at least partly enter the opening area of the escaping portion 20, the multi-functional portion 26 may become smaller by as much as entering parts of the locking portions 24 and an area of the escaping portion 20 closed by the multi-functional portion 26 may become narrower, thereby reducing a function of preventing the entrance of external matters. However, in this embodiment, the one or more recesses 34 are formed at the side surfaces of the multi-functional portion 26 and the one or more locking portions 24 are to be at least partly accommodated in the recesses 34 as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the multi-functional portion 26 can be made sufficiently large and can cover the opening area of the escaping portion 20 in a wide area.

After the first lid 21 is displaced to the closing position, the resilient locking pieces 18 of the terminal cover A are engaged with the flange portion 71 of the terminal connecting portion 70 of the device C to partly assemble the terminal cover A with the device C as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. At this time, the post 72 at least partly enters the second accommodating portion 12 through the communication hole 17 to be at least partly inserted into the connection hole 56. In other words, the connection hole 56 is fitted to the post 72.

Thereafter, using a jig (not shown), a nut 73 or may be is threadably fastened to the post 72 to fix the post connecting portion 52 by (vertically) sandwiching it between the nut 73 and the upper surface of the terminal connecting portion 70 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6. Then, the post 72 and the terminal fitting B are electrically conductively connected and the terminal fitting B and the terminal cover A are fixed to the post 72.

At the time of the operation using the jig, the jig is moved toward and away from the post 72 along the extension L of the axis line of the post 72 in the state where the connection hole 56 is fitted to the post 72. This movement path of the jig is in an area directly facing the linking portion 53 and close to the linking portion 53. Thus, the linking portion 53 may be damaged by the jig. However, in this embodiment, the protecting portion 35 is displaced from the retracted position to the protecting position by displacing the first lid 21 from the opening position to the closing position, and arranged between the extension L of the axis line of the post 72 in the state where the connection hole 56 is fitted to the post 72 and the linking portion 53. Therefore, the jig is free from interference with the linking portion 53.

Since the protecting portion 35 particularly is not located right above the second opening 16 (on the movement path of the jig), but laterally (toward the third accommodating portion 13) displaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 5, the protecting portion 35 does not affect the operation of the jig. Further, since the protecting portion 35 particularly is formed with the arcuately indented guiding surface 36, the jig is guided to a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) position substantially by sliding in contact with the guiding surface 36 when the jig is brought toward the post 72. Thus, operability is good. Since the area of the protecting portion 35 where the guiding surface 36 is formed particularly is in the form of a curved plate, space saving is realized without reducing strength as compared with the case where the protecting portion 35 is in the form of a block. Since the protecting portion 35 particularly substantially is plate-like, it may be deformed by the contact of the jig. However, the protecting portion 35 is free from deformation since being coupled to the multi-functional portion 26 via the at least one reinforcing portion 37.

After the terminal fitting B is connected to the post 72, the second lid 22 is displaced from the opening position toward or to the closing position to cover the post connecting portion 52 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. By this, the terminal fitting B particularly is substantially entirely surrounded by the terminal cover A and the assembling of the terminal fitting B and the terminal cover A is completed. As described above, the protecting portion 35 is coupled to the main portion 10 swingably between the retracted position and the protecting position about the first hinges 23, and the second lid 22 particularly is located near the protecting portion 35 on the swing path of the protecting portion 35 in a state where the protecting portion 35 is at the protecting position and the post connecting portion 52 is covered by the second lid 22. Accordingly, even if the lock pieces 27 and the lock projections 28 are disengaged to unlock the first lid 21 in this state, the protecting portion 35 comes into contact with the second lid 22, wherefore there is no likelihood of displacing the first lid 21 from the closing position to the opening position.

Since the multi-functional portion 26 particularly is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid 21 in this embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced and the first lid 21 and the multi-functional portion 26 can be assembled with the first accommodating portion 11 by one operation as compared with the case where the multi-functional portion 26 is a part separate from the first lid 21. Further, since the protecting portion 35 particularly is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid 21 (i.e. coupled to the main portion 10 via the first hinges 23), the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the protecting portion 35 is a part separate from the main portion 10. In addition, since the protecting portion 35 particularly is displaced to the protecting position when the first lid 21 is displaced to the closing position, the first lid 21 and the protecting portion 35 can be displaced by one operation.

Accordingly, to prevent external matters from entering a space for accommodating a terminal fitting, a terminal cover A includes an escaping portion 20 formed by cutting off or recessing a part of a peripheral wall portion forming a first accommodating portion 11 to allow an internal space of the first accommodating portion 11 to communicate with a second accommodating portion 12, thereby avoiding interference with a linking portion 53 of a terminal fitting B. The terminal cover A also includes a multi-functional portion 26 which can be assembled with the first accommodating portion 11 and is arranged to close at least a part of the escaping portion 20 and capable of pressing the terminal fitting B to prevent a displacement of the terminal fitting B in an assembled state.

The present invention is not limited to the above described and illustrated embodiment. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) Although the terminal fitting functions as an intermediate terminal connected to a part of a wire other than end portions in the above embodiment, the present invention is also applicable when a terminal fitting is connected to an end portion of a wire.
(2) Although the multi-functional portion closes the entire opening area of the escaping portion in the above embodiment, it may close only a part of the opening area of the escaping portion.
(3) Although the multi-functional portion is integrally formed to the first lid in the above embodiment, it may be a part separate from the first lid.
(4) Although the first lid is coupled to the first accommodating portion via the first hinges in the above embodiment, it may be a part separate from the first accommodating portion.
(5) Although the second lid is coupled to the second accommodating portion via the second hinges in the above embodiment, the second lid may be a part separate from the second accommodating portion.
(6) Although the receiving surface of the multi-functional portion extends along the wire with the multi-functional portion assembled with the first accommodating portion in the above embodiment, the multi-functional portion may be arranged to extend in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the wire at a position distant from the wire.
(7) Although the linking portion is formed with the rib projecting toward the multi-functional portion in the above embodiment, the present invention is also applicable when the linking portion is not formed with the rib.
(8) Although the multi-functional portion is formed with the cutouts for accommodating the rib of the terminal fitting in the above embodiment, the rib may be pressed by the multi-functional portion without forming the multi-functional portion with such cutouts.
(9) Although the multi-functional portion includes a plurality of (two) plate-like portions spaced apart in the penetrating direction of the linking portion through the escaping portion in the above embodiments, the multi-functional portion may be in the form of a single plate.
(10) Although the multi-functional portion includes two plate-like portions in the above embodiment, it may include three or more plates.
(11) Although the multi-functional portion has a plate-like shape in the above embodiment, the shape thereof may be a block shape without being limited to the plate-like shape.
(12) Although a plurality of (two) plate-like portions are coupled by the coupling portions in the above embodiment, they may not be coupled by the coupling portions and may independently project from the first lid.
(13) Although the recesses are formed at the side surfaces of the multi-functional portion and the locking portions are accommodated in these recesses in the above embodiment, the locking portions may be exposed outside the multi-functional portion in an assembled state of the multi-functional portion without forming the recesses at the side surfaces of the multi-functional portion.
(14) Although the first lid is formed with the protecting portion that projects to be arranged between the extension of the axis line of the post and the linking portion in the state where the first lid is assembled with the first accommodating portion and the post connecting portion is attached to the post in the above embodiment, the present invention is also applicable when the first lid is not formed with the protecting portion.
(15) Although the part of the wire connected by crimping corresponding to the base plate portion of the wire connecting portion has the insulation coating removed to expose the core in the above embodiment, the core may be surrounded by the insulation coating at the part of the wire corresponding to the base plate portion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

A ...: terminal cover
B ...: terminal fitting
C ...: device
10 ...: main portion
11 ...: first accommodating portion
12 ...: second accommodating portion
14 ...: first opening
16 ...: second opening
20 ...: escaping portion
21 ...: first lid
22 ...: second lid
24 ...: locking portion
26 ...: multi-functional portion
27 ...: lock piece (lock portion of first lid)
28 ...: lock projection (lock portion of main portion)
29 ...: plate-like portion
30 ...: coupling portion
31 ...: receiving surface
32 ...: cutout
33 ...: guiding portion
34 ...: recess
35 ...: protecting portion
37 ...: reinforcing portion
51 ...: wire connecting portion
52 ...: post connecting portion
53 ...: linking portion
57 ...: rib
60 ...: wire
72 ...: post

A terminal cover (A) for surrounding a terminal fitting (B) including a wire connecting portion (51) to be connected to a wire (60), a post connecting portion (52) to be connected to a post (72) of a device and a linking portion (53) linking the wire connecting portion (51) and the post connecting portion (52), comprising: a first accommodating portion (11) capable of at least partly accommodating the wire connecting portion (51) and including a first opening (14) used to insert and pull or withdraw the wire connecting portion (51);

a first lid (21) to be mounted to the first accommodating portion (11) to at least partly cover the first opening (14);

a second accommodating portion (12) capable of at least partly accommodating the post connecting portion (52) and including a second opening (16) used to insert and pull or withdraw the post connecting portion (52);

a second lid (22) to be mounted to the second accommodating portion (12) to at least partly cover the second opening (16);

an escaping portion (20) formed by cutting off or recessing a part of a peripheral wall portion forming the first accommodating portion (11) to allow an internal space of the first accommodating portion (11) to communicate with the second accommodating portion (12), thereby avoiding interference with the linking portion (53), and

a multi-functional portion (26) which can be assembled with the first accommodating portion (11) and is arranged to close at least a part of an opening area of the escaping portion (20) and capable of pressing the terminal fitting (B) to prevent a displacement of the terminal fitting (B) in an assembled state.

A terminal cover according to claim 1, wherein the multi-functional portion (26) is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid (21).

A terminal cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

a main portion (10) including the first accommodating portion (11) and the first lid (21) are formed with one or more lock portions (27, 28) which are to be engaged with each other to lock the first lid (21) in an assembled state where the first lid (21) closes the first opening (14); and/or

the multi-functional portion (26) is formed with at least one guiding portion (33) which substantially slides in contact with the opening edge of the escaping portion (20) to guide a displacement of the first lid (21) along a proper assembling path with the first accommodating portion (11).

A terminal cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-functional portion (26) includes a receiving surface (31) arranged to substantially extend along the wire (60) connected to the wire connecting portion (51) with the multi-functional portion (26) assembled with the first accommodating portion (11).

A terminal cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-functional portion (26) is formed with at least one cutout (32) capable of at least partly accommodating at least one rib (57) formed on the linking portion (53) and projecting toward the multi-functional portion (26).

A terminal cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-functional portion (26) includes a plurality of substantially plate-like portions (29) spaced apart from each other in a penetrating direction of the linking portion (53) through the escaping portion (20).

A terminal cover according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of plate-like portions (53) are coupled by at least one coupling portion (30).

A terminal cover according to claim 7, wherein a recess (34) defined by lateral edge portions of the plate-like portions (53) and the coupling portion (30) by arranging the coupling portion (20) inwardly of lateral edges of the plate-like portions (53) is formed at a side surface substantially facing the opening edge of the escaping portion (20) out of the outer surfaces of the multi-functional portion (26).

A terminal cover according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a locking portion (24) arranged to be at least partly accommodated in the recess and capable of preventing a relative displacement of the linking portion (53) by being engaged with the linking portion (53) is formed at the opening edge of the escaping portion (20).

A terminal cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-functional portion (26) is formed on the first lid (21).

A terminal cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lid (21) is formed with a protecting portion (35) in the form of a plate projecting to be located between an extension of an axis line of the post (72) and the linking portion (53) in a state where the first lid (21) is assembled with the first accommodating portion (11) and the post connecting portion (52) is attached to the post (72).

A terminal cover according to claim 11, wherein the multi-functional portion (26) and the protecting portion (35) are coupled by at least one reinforcing portion (37).

A terminal cover according to claim 11 or 12, wherein one or more first hinges (23) allowing displacement of the protecting portion (35) particularly are located above the protecting portion (35) with the protecting portion (35) located at the protecting position, whereby the protecting portion (35) can pass a space above the second accommodating portion (12) when being displaced from a protecting position to a retracted position.

A method of assembling a terminal cover (A) to a terminal fitting (B) including a wire connecting portion (51) connected to a wire (60), a post connecting portion (52) connected to a post (72) of a device and a linking portion (53) linking the wire connecting portion (51) and the post connecting portion (52), comprising the following steps:

at least partly accommodating the wire connecting portion (51) in a first accommodating portion (11) including a first opening (14) used to insert and pull or withdraw the wire connecting portion (51);

mounting a first lid (21) to the first accommodating portion (11) to at least partly cover the first opening (14);

at least partly accommodating the post connecting portion (52) in a second accommodating portion (12) including a second opening (16) used to insert and pull or withdraw the post connecting portion (52);

mounting a second lid (22) to the second accommodating portion (12) to at least partly cover the second opening (16);

allowing an internal space of the first accommodating portion (11) to communicate with the second accommodating portion (12) by means of an escaping portion (20) formed by cutting off or recessing a part of a peripheral wall portion forming the first accommodating portion (11), thereby avoiding interference with the linking portion (53), and

assembling a multi-functional portion (26) with the first accommodating portion (11) so as to be arranged to close at least a part of an opening area of the escaping portion (20) and to press the terminal fitting (B) to prevent a displacement of the terminal fitting (B) in an assembled state.

A method according to claim 14, wherein the multi-functional portion (26) is integrally or unitarily formed to the first lid (21) and/or wherein a main portion (10) including the first accommodating portion (11) and the first lid (21) are formed with one or more lock portions (27, 28) which are engaged with each other to lock the first lid (21) in an assembled state where the first lid (21) closes the first opening (14); and/or the multi-functional portion (26) is formed with at least one guiding portion (33) which substantially slides in contact with the opening edge of the escaping portion (20) to guide a displacement of the first lid (21) along a proper assembling path with the first accommodating portion (11).

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

JP2008288056A[0002]